Solute exclusion from cellulose in packed columns: Process modeling and analysis

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Abstract
In this investigation, process modeling and analysis were used to explore the behavior of solute exclusion from cellulose in packed columns. The study focused on modeling the effects of dispersion, mass transport, and pore diffusion. Three mathematical models were used to predict the behavior of the columns: an equilibrium model, a mass transfer model, and a combined mass transfer and pore diffusion model. Computer implementations of these models were tested against experimental conditions where cellulose particle size and solution velocity were used to either amplify or minimize dispersion or skewness in the elution curves. For small cellulose particles (200–300 mesh), all three models accurately predicted the shape of the elution curve and the particle porosity. For larger particles (45‐60 mesh), the mass transfer model and the combined mass and pore diffusion model best represented the behavior of the column. At high solution velocities (0.63 cm3 min−1) and large particles, only the combined mass transfer and pore diffusion model accurately represent the column behavior. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the mass transfer coefficient had little effect on the elution curves for the range of values (10−6–10−3 cm s−1) calculated from the experimental data. The combined mass transfer and pore diffusion model presented in this article can be used to design solute exclusion measurement experiments for the larger cellulose particles found in a commercial cellulose‐to‐ethanol plant.